Processing of Open-Cell Metallic Foams for High Pressure Hydrogen Storage

Abstract

Here, we report a novel approach towards bulk scale manufacturing of metallic foams with uniform distribution of open-cells for designing high pressure hydrogen storage tanks. The manufacturing technique provides a cost effective and comparatively easy way of processing open-cell foam structures of a wide range of metals and alloys. In addition, the process allows a precise control over the shape and size of the pores and ensures a uniform distribution of the pores in these metallic structures. The fabrication process involves a pressurized casting of molten metals/alloys over pre-fabricated salt patterns/preforms. The porous metallic structures are recovered by leaching out the salt patterns.